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Messaging in First Touch can combine structured prompts, variables, and generated content. Use this page to keep messaging clear, personalized, and easy to review before publishing. For an end-to-end example, follow Personalize LinkedIn Connection Notes.

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The Messaging Editor

When you add an Email or supported social step, you can define the message content in the editor.

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Choosing Your Mode

Use the AI messaging switch to choose between authored text and generated messaging. AI messaging is off by default for newly added email steps. Existing steps can have it enabled, so check the setting before editing.

AI Messaging On

Best for generated content. Enable AI messaging to interpret instructions and generate messaging from your flow context and settings.

AI Messaging Off

Best for authored text. Write the message you want to send and use supported data variables for personalization.

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Build Your Message

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1. Data Variables ({})

Variables pull contact, company, sender, and flow data into the message. Type { in the message editor to open the variable menu. For example:
See Variables and Personalization for exact tokens, source requirements, HubSpot custom properties, and earlier research outputs. Extra CSV columns do not automatically become variables; check the CSV mapping limits when using your own data.

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2. Instruction Blocks ([])

With AI messaging enabled, use instruction blocks to tell the system what to do with the context you provide.
When AI messaging is off, bracketed text is ordinary message text and can be sent literally. Enable AI messaging before using instruction blocks.
Examples:
  • [Write a short opening based on their role]
  • [Mention a relevant company detail]
  • [Keep the message under 50 words]

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3. Static Text

Use plain text for anything that should stay fixed, such as sign-offs, links, or compliance language.

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Preview Before Publishing

Use Preview to inspect how messaging renders before publishing.
  1. Open the preview tab.
  2. Select a sample contact.
  3. Generate the output.
  4. Edit and preview again until it looks right.
Repeat with at least two contacts, including missing optional data and long names or company values. Check the final message length. If a value is unavailable, see Missing Values and Preview.

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Social Messaging Tips

Connection Requests

Keep connection requests short and low-friction.

Follow-up Messages

A follow-up social message can depend on connection state.
Review your sending and social settings before scaling activity.

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Helpful Patterns

Add a Research Agent before your outreach step when you want extra company or contact context.
Use Conditional Split to send different messaging to different segments.
Turn on approval when you want a rep to review a message before it sends.